Beyond the Polls with Henry Olsen

The first primaries for the 2026 midterms came last week, and Henry's flying solo to survey the results. Tune in for analysis on James Talarico's victory over TX-30 Rep. Jasmine Crockett for the Democratic Senate nomination; incumbent John Cornyn's top-finish against Ken Paxton in the runoff-bound Republican bid; House seats in the Lone Star State and North Carolina; along with thoughts on President Trump's recent approval ratings bump and polling on condition-based sentiments about the sudden onset of war in the Middle East. 

Plus, this week's dueling ads provide a contrast in style and sensibility that overshadows even the partisan divide.

Voters in Texas will cast ballots for aspiring nominees next Tuesday, so Gromer Jeffers of The Dallas Morning News returns to Beyond the Polls for a close look at the Lone Star State's key races: From James Talarico's attempt to catch Jasmine Crockett for the Democratic Senate nomination, to the seemingly runoff-bound duel between Ken Paxton and incumbent John Cornyn; and let's not forget some of the hotshots fighting for House seats: Brandon Harerra gunning for scandal-ridden Tony Gonzalez in TX-23 and Colin Alred making a go for familiar territory in the newly-redrawn TX-33.

Henry draws our attention abroad this week. Another opening for ReformUK in the Gorton and Denton by-election, along with positive polling for Australia's One Nation Party, reminds us that conservative-populism is a global phenomenon. 

Plus, there are bold ads and then there are jaw-droppers. Juliana Stratton's profanity-laced spot is sure to get her some attention as she tries to take Dick Durbin's seat in the US Senate.

Now that we're back into the campaign swing, Beyond the Polls is grooving into familiar rhythms. That means we've got a weekly rant, a great guest, and an ad or two worth diving into. This week, Ryan Girdusky, host of "It's a Numbers Game," joins Henry to discuss how the GOP is only just finding its footing a decade into its shakeup. 

Plus, Henry gives an update on Trump's approval rating, salutes Gallup for its many years of tracking that metric, and takes a look at a couple of bold primary spots: one out of the Texas Senate primary, the other from Illinois-8.

And take a look at Henry's new series, Conservative Crossroads, where he moderates debates between representatives of the American Right's competing factions.

You may recall the recent brouhaha over mid-decadal redistricting and the hand-wringing over blatantly partisan gerrymandering. But it isn't only cynical insiders who determine the balance of our House of Representatives; the American people play their part when they make long-distance moves. To talk all things reapportionment, Henry is joined again by Kyle Kondik of Sabato's Crystal Ball. 

Plus, Henry's got a trio of ads centered on the Democratic primary for John Cornyn's contested Senate seat.

It's rant time! The president's approval numbers are looking awfully similar to those in February of Trump's first term, and that depletion of political capital since Inauguration Day 2025 ought to make Republicans more than a little nervous. Henry breaks down public opinion polling on the hot-button issues in the headlines, along with an analysis of self-described MAGA and non-MAGA voters within the GOP. He also takes a look at the astounding fundraising numbers that midterm hopefuls are walking around with these days.

Plus, progressive influencer Kat Abughazaleh has her eye on the Illinois-9 House seat, and she has a couple of new ads out that are sure to earn the attention of would-be constituents.